President Obama on Tim Howard: Defense job filled

President Barack Obama on Friday gave a shout-out to the Team USA World Cup soccer team in his weekly address.

“I want to begin today by saying a special word to the U.S. men’s soccer team, who represented America so well the past few weeks,” Obama said. “We are so proud of you. You’ve got a lot of new believers.”

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The president also mentioned Team USA keeper Tim Howard, who set a World Cup record with 16 saves in the team’s 2-1 loss to Belgium on Tuesday in the round of 16.

“I know there’s actually a petition on the White House website to make Tim Howard the next secretary of defense. Chuck Hagel’s got that spot right now, but if there is a vacancy, I’ll think about it,” Obama said with a smile.

After his performance, Howard has become the subject of two official White House petitions — one for the president to appoint him as defense secretary and one to change the name of Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport to Tim Howard National Airport.

Earlier this week, the White House released video of the president calling Howard and Team USA captain Clint Dempsey to congratulate the team on its performance and sportsmanship during the World Cup in Brazil.

“You guys did us proud,” Obama said during the call. “To see the way you guys captured the hearts and the imaginations of the whole country is unbelievable.”

With the rest of his Friday address, the president gave “a special thanks” to U.S. troops and offered well-wishes to Americans over the July 4th holiday weekend.